 | DR SARAH GIBSON - Sarah is a Senior Scientist in the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) of the National Center for Atmospheric research (NCAR) located in Boulder, Colorado and was Interim Director at HAO (2019-2020). Her research centers on solar drivers of the terrestrial environment, from short-term space weather drivers such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), to long-term solar cycle variation. Dr. Gibson uses theoretical models to understand the magnetic origins of CMEs and related space weather phenomena. A particular focus is observations and models of coronal prominence cavities, which are long-lived structures in the Sun’s atmosphere that store the magnetic energy liberated in CMEs. Dr. Gibson has led International Space Science Institute (Switzerland) International Teams on the subjects of Prominence Cavities and Coronal Magnetism. Dr. Gibson was the recipient of the 2022 AGU Fellowship and of the American Astronomical Society–Solar Physics Division 2005 Karen Harvey Prize. She was a Scientific Editor for the Astrophysical Journal and has served on many national and international committees, including the National Research Council (NRC) Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey Steering Committee and Space Studies Board and the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Solar Observatories Council. She was President of IAU Division E (Sun and Heliosphere) from 2018-2021. Dr. Gibson is committed to education and public outreach. She has been a scientific mentor to multiple post-docs, graduate and undergraduate students, and has presented several times at the American Association of University Women's Expanding your Horizon conference for middle-school girls. She gave the first of NCAR’s 50th anniversary public lectures, and participated in the NOVA episode "Secrets of the Sun". Dr. Gibson received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Stanford University, and her Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado. Sarah will be presenting “NASA’s PUNCH Mission”. |
 | DR MARK MIESCH - Dr. Mark Miesch is a research scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado and NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SPWC). As a member of SWPC's solar and solar wind team, he uses the latest research advances to improve forecasting of hazardous space weather events such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Throughout his career, Miesch has worked on a wide range of topics, from fundamental research into the origins of magnetic activity in the Sun and stars to terrestrial ("normal") weather forecasting. After receiving his PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado, he worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Cambridge (UK), and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) before coming to CIRES/SWPC in 2021. Current projects include improving supercomputer models of CME prediction, developing new tools to leverage a new generation of satellite missions, and forecasting the progression of the 11-year solar activity cycle. Mark will be presenting “Mystery and Majesty in the Northern Skies”. |
 | LT COL BEN ROTH - Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin D. Roth is an assistant professor in the Physics Department at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he also serves as the Director of Astronomical Research and the Observatory. In this role, he leads various research projects, from studying supernovae to tracking satellites. Throughout his career, Lt Col Roth has held a number of significant positions. He began as a Research Physicist at Hanscom Air Force Base, where he focused on mitigating the effects of space weather on satellite systems. He later managed three sensor development projects with a combined acquisition cost of over $100 million at Wright-Patterson AFB. His service also includes a role as a staff executive officer for the Air Force Research Laboratory, where he communicated research developments to General Officers and congressional inquiries. At Los Angeles AFB, Lieutenant Colonel Roth led a 300-person team in producing the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) nuclear command and control satellite system. Prior to his current position, he was at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he led efforts to develop technologies for Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction. Ben will be presenting “Shifting Focus: Developing the Future of Space at the US Air Force Academy”. |
 | SCOTT DONNELL - Scott Donnell is the Lead of the Spectroscopy Special Interest Group for the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) and is passionate about promoting amateur astronomical spectroscopy as an important tool in understanding the underlying physics of the observed behaviors of variable stars. Scott is a retired Space Systems Engineer and an active member of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society having served over the past decade as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Trustee, and Co-Director of RMSS. Scott holds a B.S. with a double major in physics and mathematics from the University Wisconsin and an M.S. in Astronomy from the Pennsylvania State University. He continues to expand his knowledge of astronomical spectroscopy and other astronomical topics through independent research, programs of observation, and his volunteer work at the US Air Force Academy Observatory. Scott will be presenting “Amateur Astronomical Spectroscopy and its Contribution to Science”. |
 | BRUCE BOOKOUT - Bruce Bookout is a Program Manager with Peraton Inc, where he manages the Acusil Thermal Protection System program and is a life-time member of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society (CSASTRO). As a CSASTRO member, he has served in numerous roles in the club, including Vice-President, RMSS Director (for 7 years), Deputy Outreach Coordinator and is currently both the Co-Lead for the Long Range Planning Committee and the Astronomical League Coordinator (ALCOR). Bruce is an Adjunct Professor of Astronomy at Pikes Peak State College where he developed their course in Archeoastronomy, besides teaching Planetary and Stellar Astronomy. He has been awarded the Astronomical League Master Observer's Award. Bruce has a MS in Space Systems Operation from Webster University and previously served in the US Air Force as a Space Operations officer. Bruce will be presenting "The Pleiades: Seven Daughters of Pleione". |
 | MADISON SCHULTE - Madison is a 4th grade student at Discovery Canyon Campus Elementary School and a member of CSASTRO. She is an avid amateur astronomer when her school schedule allows, a soon-to-be black belt in Taekwondo, and participates in Odyssey of the Mind, coding, and math competitions. Madison will be presenting "Space Toilets". |